Chewing gum as a performance enhancer

Korean SAT season is here. Test takers are exerting themselves to get the desired results, but a secret weapon might be the key to exam excellence — chewing gum.

A photo of the Lotte Golf Team who have been given customized gum designed for them. [LOTTE WELLFOOD]

Korean SAT season is here. Test takers are exerting themselves to get the desired results, but a secret weapon might be the key to exam excellence — chewing gum.

According to research by Andrew Scholey at Swinburne University in Australia, there were lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in study participants solving difficult problems while chewing gum.

Sports stars have often mentioned the benefits of chewing gum too. In 2021, U.S. professional golfer Phil Mickelson, who received the spotlight for winning a PGA Championship at the age of 50, pointed to the act of chewing gum for the secret behind his marvelous concentration.

Korean golfer Ko Jin-young also stated that chewing gum helps them relax and maintain focus, contributing to the belief that chewing gum can aid in concentration.

Based on the attested benefits of chewing gum, Lotte Wellfood has developed customized gum for Lotte Golf Team, which has been met with a positive response from the players.

The boons of chewing gum also include increased cerebral blood flow to enhance memory and concentration, promoting a sense of happiness through relaxation, and preventing cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s, according to a myriad of academic papers.

BY KIM SU-HYEON [kim.suhyeon4@joongang.co.kr]